There are 2 or 3 cable locks left on our bike rack at work, mine was there for about 4 years until so cracked and rusted that I replaced it. I don't think anyone cares. Personally I leave it UN-locked so someone could remove it if they really wanted to, and I doubt that anyone is going to scope out my combination.

Around a pole I could see how someone might think it looks trashy, though cutting it is ridiculous when they could have just talked to you about it any given morning. I'd just find a less conspicuous place to leave it in the covered alcove.